It is so important to pursue your needs and enjoy every moment with your baby. We recognize that, and this is why we have conducted extensive research and prepared a thorough guide on bicycle seats for babies to keep your spirit adventurous at all times. Check the best bike seats for toddlers and choose the one that suits your family.
- What is the rear bike seat?
- What is the age for baby bike seat?
- Shall I choose a front-mounted child bike seat or a rear bike seat?
- What are the benefits of the rear bike seat?
- What are the disadvantages of the rear child bike seat?
- How to choose the right bike with back seat?
- 10 best bike seats for toddlers by price range
What is the rear bike seat?
The rear bike seat is the toddler’s bike seat that attaches to a rack, or if there is no rack (such as in a folding bike), it secures directly to the bike via the frame or seatpost.
What is the age for baby bike seat?
Normally, you will see some of the baby bicycle seat manufacturers recommend the starting age from 9 months old. Every baby is individual, you should make sure your baby holds neck properly, sits well, and are able to sit still for a while behind you. We recommend waiting until the baby reaches 12 months of age.
The best bike seats for toddlers are typically used until your child reaches 6 years of age or 48.5 lbs (22 kg).
Shall I choose a front-mounted child bike seat or a rear bike seat?
The choice is yours. There is a variety of bike seats for toddlers, such as front-, mid-, and rear-mounted child bike seats. Consider the following options:
How much your child weights?
The front baby seat for bike has a limited lifespan. These bike seats for babies are quite small and typically serve until 2 to 3 years of age. You will need to upgrade it to a rear bike seat later on.
How old is your child?
If your child is already 18 months old, it may be a better option to consider the rear child bike seat.
How confident are you as a bike rider?
As a parent, you should feel confident biking with a toddler. It takes a little bit of practice and balance at the start. A bike with baby seat in front will require adjusting your legs and posture, but the rear child bike seat adds additional weight to the back which may lead to losing control since the front side of the bike gets lighter.
What is the purpose of a child bike seat?
It depends on what you are using your bike for and how long you ride. For example, you may consider a mid-mount child seat if you have a mountain bike.
Read More:
What are the benefits of the rear bike seat?
The most picked and best bike seats for toddlers are the rear ones. The great benefit is that they serve for 5 to 6 years. They also come in a variety of colors, features, and offer additional bike accessories for babies.
- Compared to the front-mounted child bike seat, with the rear bike seat, your child is behind you which makes it easier to pedal.
- Some best bike seats for toddlers recline for your child to take a nap.
- Many provide suspension for bumpy rides.
- Your child is less exposed to wind, rain, snow, or cold weather as you cover him with your back.
- In case of an accident or crash, your child is less exposed as opposed to the front baby seat.
What are the disadvantages of the rear child bike seat?
Everything has its own pros and cons.
- The main disadvantage of the rear bike seat is the additional weight at the back which makes it harder for you to get on and off the bike. Due to the front side of the bike getting lighter, you may get the feeling that the bike is about to lift. You should always control the balance. This is why it is also important to pick the right child bike seat and mount it correctly.
- The interaction is different as opposed to the front bike seat or MTB. Due to the wind, you will need to turn your head slightly to hear your baby.
- Due to the fact that your child is at the back, you won’t know if your baby decided to take a nap, something was lost, or went wrong.
How to choose the right bike with back seat?
Compatibility
Since there is a huge amount of the best child bike seats and bicycle brands, it is important to check the compatibility first. Once you narrow down what type of rear bike seat is suitable, you are free to choose one based on its features.
There are three types of rear bike seats. Let’s understand first which one you should look for.
Rack-mounted rear child seat
This option is extremely easy to fit, but you must have a few things on your bike:
- A rack
- Eyelets for mounting the rack
Disc brakes may be a disadvantage. If you have got them, you should check if the rack is compatible with the disc brakes of your bike.
The rear child bike seat slides onto the rails of the rack. You will usually have an additional safety strap to attach to the seat tube.
Frame-mounted rear child seat
Here we have got two sub-categories:
Cantilevered rear child seat
There is a plastic mount clamp that attaches to your seat tube with two prongs from the child’s seat being clipped into position on the mount. Once you have installed it, the rear bike seat can be removed easily with a quick-release system.
The advantage of such a mounting system is that the cantilevered rear bike seat provides a mini suspension for your child.
The disadvantage is that although it is the easiest system to fit, the cantilevered rear child seat is not compatible with bikes offering an external brake cable on the seat tube.
Note: You should also be aware of how you position the bike seat. If you set it too high, the front side of the bike may lift. On the contrary, if you set it too low, there is a risk that suspension fouls the rear wheel.
Anchor point rear child seat
This option uses the seat tube and the seat stays as two anchor points. The advantage of such a system is that it provides more support than the cantilevered system, neither requires the eyelets for mounting the rack. But it won’t be compatible with the bikes offering an external brake cable on the seat tube.
Same as with the cantilevered option, the anchor point rear bike seat provides a quick-release system, so your seat is removed in seconds.
Note: All bicycle brands need about 2 inches (5 cm) clearance below the bike’s saddle for the seat and mounting poles.
Other features of the best bike seats for toddlers
- Safety three- or five-point harness system.
- Padded shoulder height adjustable straps.
- Adjustable footrests provide additional safety for your baby.
- Reclinable seats offer extra comfort.
- Suspension for bumpy roads.
- The shape of the seat. The best bike seats toddlers offer helmet pockets, so your child’s head isn’t pushed forward; and bumpers, so-called handles for your child’s little hands.
10 best bike seats for toddlers by price range
Image | Name | Age limit | Buy Now |
High-End Child Bike Seats | |||
 | Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi | 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
 | Thule Yepp Maxi | 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
 | Thule RideAlong | 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
Mid-Range Child Bike Seats | |||
 | Burley Dash | 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
 | Topeak Baby Seat II | 12 months – up to 48.5 lbs (22 kg) | |
 | Hamax Caress | 9 months – up to 48.5 lbs (22 kg) | |
Entry Level/ Budget Child Bike Seats | |||
 | Copilot Child Carrier | 12 months – 4.5 years old | |
 | Schwinn Deluxe | 12 months – 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
 | Bellelli Pepe | 9 months – 48.5 lbs (22 kg) | |
 | Bell Cocoon 300 | 12 months – 40 lbs (18 kg) | |
High-end child bike seats
The best bike seats for toddlers in the high-end category belong to the Thule brand. They feature the most delicate lightweight design offering one of the best shoulder strap systems and ventilation for specifically hot climates.
Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi Frame Mount Child Bike Seat
Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi is by far one of the most stylish and lightweight child bike seats. You’d hardly feel the weight which is so important when it comes to a rear bike seat! With Thule, you can even install both, front-mounted and rear-mounted child bike seats and won’t feel too much weight as opposed to other brands.
It is very well-designed, durable, and will last you for years. We love the fact how breathable it is due to the designed large hole vents on the back of the seat.
Let’s take a look at the technical aspect and features of the Yepp Nexxt Maxi
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
Product weight: 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg)
- Mounts directly to the frame of your bike (anchor point system).
- Quick and easy installation.
- Magnetic childproof safety buckle is a unique feature that lets this child seat stand out from its competitors. It provides additional safety and is hard for a baby to figure out.
- Adjustable and padded 3-point harness.
- Hard outer shell and extremely soft and comfortable seat.
- Water-repellent materials that are easy to clean.
- Shock-absorbing seat.
- Adjustable footrests and straps.
- Built-in reflector for added visibility.
Thule Yepp Maxi Child Bike Seat
Thule Yepp Maxi is a very similar model to Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi. The only visible difference is the style of the seat as it has “crocks-like” holes which provide additional ventilation for your baby by making the seat very breathable and perfect for hot climates.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
Product weight: 10 lbs (4.53 kg)
- Mounts directly to the frame of your bike (anchor point system).
- Quick and easy installation.
- Standard childproof safety buckle (not a magnetic one!)
- Adjustable and padded 3-point harness.
- Water-repellent materials that are easy to clean.
- Shock-absorbing seat.
- Adjustable footrests and straps.
- Built-in reflector and safety light attachment.
Thule RideAlong Child Bike Seat
RideAlong has a bit different design compared to Yepp and Yepp Nexxt. It also has one of the most comfortable strapping systems that actually stays in place.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
Product weight: 9.5 lbs (4.30 kg)
- Fits most bike frames (27.2-40mm round frames and up to 40 x 55mm oval frames).
- Quick-release bracket for mounting and dismounting.
- Shock-absorbing DualBeam suspension system to minimize bumps and ensure a smooth ride.
- Standard childproof safety buckle (not a magnetic one!)
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps that stay in place.
- Adjustable 3-point harness.
- Water-repellent padding that is easy to clean.
- Adjustable footrests with straps.
- Built-in reflector and safety light.
Mid-range child bike seats
Burley Dash Child Bike Seat
Burley Dash child bike seat provides all mounting options and is one the most universal brands that can be used on any type of bike. It offers two mounting options onto the frame – cantilevered and anchor point, plus the rack mount. It also comes in two colors. Burley dash has one of the best 5-point harness systems and additional storage at the back.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Depending on what type you choose, it fits any bicycle. The rack is not provided for the rack mount.
- Removable and hand-washable seat.
- Water-resistant seat padding.
- An adjustable 5-point harness system.
- Arm Rests.
- Adjustable footrests with straps.
- Reclinable seat to 10 and 20 degrees.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps.
- Built-in reflector.
- Rear storage.
Topeak Baby Seat II
Topeak baby seat comes with a rear rack that is included in a package. It doesn’t offer a frame mounting option, but it is perfect for bikes that do not have the possibility to mount the rear bike seat onto the frame. It is also unique because it attaches the rack via a proprietary mounting system that simply clicks into place and is much faster to mount and dismount than other rack-mounted seats.
Topeak Baby Seat II features a unique slide lock attachment system that requires no tools to mount or remove the seat from the rack. Once the seat is positioned on the rack, remove the slide lock from its storage and insert the slide lock into the rack.
Besides, the Topeak Baby Seat II design creates a virtual cocoon of protection.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – up to 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
Product weight: 13.65 lbs (6.19 kg)
- Rack mounting with the rack included.
- Offers two options for disc rack and non-disc rack bicycles.
- Yellow padding.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system
- The innovative spring suspension system.
- Integrated handlebar.
- Arm Rests.
- Adjustable footrests with straps.
- Wrap-around design for extra safety.
- No shoulder pads.
- Built-in reflector.
- Optional padding is available (green, pink, and blue).
Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat
Hamax Caress offers a unique set of high-quality details for a very good price. It clearly stands out among its competitors and can be rightfully considered as one of the best bike seats for toddlers.
First of all, it has one of the most universal fits. It is the only rear bike seat that sees no issue in external wires on the seat tube. You can attach the Hamax Caress onto your frame regardless of whether you have wires or not. If for some reason, it is still an issue, Hamax Caress always provides a rack-mounted option.
Secondly, Hamax Caress is constructed from high-quality durable materials providing a suspension system that is rarely seen on rack-mounted seats. In fact, it is full of specs. Let’s take a closer look.
Age/ weight capacity: 9 months – up to 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Fits frame diameters of 28-40mm.
- One-handed operation design.
- Can be fitted to bikes with or without luggage carriers.
- Simple to fit.
- Reclinable up to 20 degrees.
- Adjustable seat back system to regulate the height.
- Integrated padding (available in red or grey).
- Adjustable footrests and straps.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Built-in reflector.
- Lockable fastening bracket.
- Innovative suspension system.
- Shock absorption.
- Helmet pocket that allows your child’s head to sit comfortably without being pushed forward.
- Arm rests.
Entry Level/ Budget child bike seats
Copilot Child Carrier
Copilot child carrier offers three different versions and all of them include the rear rack. Copilot also has a special disc rear rack which is best suitable for bikes with disc brakes (that we have mentioned before!)
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – 4.5 years old
- Easy to install.
- Locking quick-release system.
- The rear rack is included.
- Fits most bikes.
- Integrated padding that is removable and washable.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Arm rests (except for a Taxi model).
- Integrated handlebar.
- Non-adjustable footrests and very basic straps (the child can easily take them off).
Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Mounted Child Carrier Seat
Schwinn brand is quite popular among bike trailers, but also it is a well-known brand that offers a good quality product for a very affordable price.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Easy to install.
- Compatible with most adult bicycles.
- Mounts directly to the bike frame. The rack is compatible with seat post diameters from 25 to 32mm.
- Head rest (add on!)
- Vented back.
- Padded back rest and air-cushioned seat pad.
- Adjustable footrest with leg restraints straps (there’re no adjustable straps).
- Padded handlebar.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Spoke guard.
- A helmet is optional.
Bellelli Pepe Rear Bike Child Seat
Made in Italy, Bellelli Pepe has a very elegant design with lots of vents and high sideboards for your child’s additional comfort and safety. It comes at an extremely affordable price and features high-quality materials.
Age/ weight capacity: 9 months – 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Lightweight.
- Resistant and washable frames.
- High sideboards.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Adjustable footrest with leg restraints straps.
- Reclined angle for the neck.
- Ergonomic shoulders support.
- Integrated helmet slot.
- Childproof safety buckle.
- The seat post is included.
Bell Cocoon 300 Child Bicycle Carrier
Bell Cocoon 300 has almost everything that you need for a fantastically budget price.
Age/ weight capacity: 12 months – 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Bell child carrier fits most 26 and 27-inch bikes without rear suspension.
- Wrap-around bucket seat design.
- An adjustable 3-point harness system.
- Moulded spoke guard.
- Built-in rear reflector.
- A padded seat.
- Non-adjustable footrest with no leg restraints or straps.
Have you picked your best bike seat for toddlers yet?
Share with us which one it is and enjoy every moment with your baby!
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